As Co‑Chairs of the 2025 U18 National Women’s Hockey Championship, Kim Murphy and Christa Skinner formed an exceptional leadership partnership that brought a national‑calibre event to Mount Pearl and Conception Bay South while advancing the visibility of women’s hockey.

Kim Murphy is a respected sport leader and trailblazer, having made history as the first woman President of Mount Pearl Minor Hockey. Her extensive experience delivering provincial and Atlantic championships, along with roles such as Venue Lead for the Canada Games, established a strong foundation for organizational success.

Christa Skinner brings deep expertise in female hockey development through her leadership with the Conception Bay Renegades and Hockey NL’s Female Council. With academic training in marketing and kinesiology, she works tirelessly to promote growth, inclusion, and retention in the women’s game.

Together, Kim and Christa delivered a championship that met the highest operational standards while creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, families, and fans nationwide. Their collaboration set a powerful example of leadership, vision, and dedication.

The Frosty Festival Committee is the heart of Mount Pearl’s longest‑running winter celebration. For 44 years, this dedicated group of volunteers has brought warmth, connection, and civic pride to the community during the winter season.

Long before events begin, committee members devote countless hours to planning, coordination, and problem solving. Throughout the festival, they are present at every level—responding quickly to challenges and ensuring events run safely and smoothly.

What sets the committee apart is their genuine care for people. Their focus extends beyond logistics to creating inclusive, welcoming experiences that foster connection and joy. Year after year, their efforts strengthen community bonds and create memories that last long after winter ends.

Through dedication, teamwork, and quiet leadership, the Frosty Festival Committee exemplifies the best of volunteerism and community spirit.

John Murphy was a towering presence in Newfoundland and Labrador—both for his iconic voice and for his deep commitment to community service. His warm, resonant delivery became instantly recognizable across radio, sports arenas, parishes, and even provincial ferries, where his voice continues to guide passengers.

John spent more than 50 years in broadcasting, including 30 years as General Manager of VOCM. Under his leadership, the station rose to—and maintained—the top position in provincial ratings. For John, radio was a calling, not just a career, and his influence helped shape the province’s media landscape.

His contributions extended well beyond broadcasting. John served as Chair of the VOCM Cares Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, Lion’s Club, Army and Air Cadets, and the Canadian Liaison Council. His humanitarian leadership earned him the Melvin Jones Fellowship, one of the highest honours in Lions Clubs International. He also played an instrumental role in establishing the Admiralty House Communications Museum in Mount Pearl, preserving provincial broadcasting history.

A passionate sports enthusiast, John was a beloved hockey play‑by‑play announcer and was inducted into the Newfoundland Amateur Hockey Association Hall of Fame in 2009. His voice brought excitement and clarity to countless games and moments.

Above all, John was devoted to his family. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he placed family at the center of his life.

John Murphy is remembered for his generosity, leadership, and profound kindness. His voice shaped a province; his heart strengthened it. His legacy continues to echo across generations.

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Claudette Coombs is a lifelong community leader whose devotion to service has shaped lives locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally for more than five decades. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to health, education, humanitarian service, and environmental responsibility, and her work exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism.

Throughout her life, Claudette has given generously of her time and expertise to numerous health organizations focused on improving outcomes for children, youth, and adults. Her service includes roles with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Diabetes Association, where her work in education and administration earned her the prestigious Harry A. Newman Award. She was also one of only twelve original members of the Provincial Wellness Advisory Council to the Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Health, continuing her contributions across multiple government administrations.

Nationally, Claudette served on the Board of the Canadian Council on Smoking and Health and acted as an advisor to the Federal Minister of Health. As President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Council on Smoking and Health, she authored and presented landmark youth smoking legislation at the House of Assembly. She also developed a teen smoking cessation program that gained international recognition when she presented it at a conference in Paris, France.

Her advocacy has been matched by meaningful research and hands‑on service. While studying at Memorial University and later at the University of Toronto, Claudette contributed to whale entrapment research and public health studies that directly informed legislative change, including safety regulations for baby walkers and hot water heater temperatures. Beyond policy, she volunteered extensively with youth in detention settings, offering mentorship, care, and alternative life skills.

Claudette’s humanitarian work extends globally and locally. From organizing international orphanage visits to welcoming refugee families into Mount Pearl, her compassion has translated into lasting relationships and community integration. As President of the Mount Pearl Lions Club and a long‑time leader within Lions Clubs International, she continues to spearhead initiatives supporting youth, seniors, environmental sustainability, and food security.

Recognized with numerous provincial, national, and international honours—including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Mount Pearl Citizen of the Year, and the Judge Gordon Seabright Volunteer Award—Claudette Coombs’ legacy is one of humility, persistence, and transformative service. Her leadership has strengthened Mount Pearl and beyond, leaving an enduring example of what it means to serve wholeheartedly.

Nominated for the Richard Levandier Citizen of the Year Award, Bonnie Evely is a passionate and tireless volunteer whose energy, creativity, and compassion have brought lasting benefit to the City of Mount Pearl. Through her extraordinary service with the Mount Pearl Lions Club, she has become a powerful champion for community connection, particularly for children and seniors.

Bonnie’s volunteerism is rooted in a genuine love for people and a gift for bringing joy into spaces where it is most needed. Within the Lions Club, she contributes to nearly every aspect of service, from senior home visitations to community events and food initiatives. One of her most cherished initiatives included organizing a “Spa Day” for seniors, where Lion Cubs offered nail painting, hair styling, and facials—creating moments of dignity and laughter across generations.

As Chair of the Lions Cub Club, Bonnie ensures youth are meaningfully engaged in service from an early age. She has played an active role in recycling programs, food drives, literacy initiatives, public speaking events, bingo distribution, farming projects for food banks, and school-based activities including Grandparents’ Days. Her involvement in the Santa Claus Parade—from float construction to candy distribution—demonstrates her hands-on approach and unwavering commitment.

Bonnie is widely known for her ability to identify unmet community needs. Through attentiveness and persistence, she connects those needs with resources, often coordinating support rapidly and creatively. Whether mobilizing club members or reaching outside established networks, she is relentless in ensuring help reaches those who need it.

Her leadership has been recognized through multiple honours, including Lion of the Year and the Lions President’s Award. As Immediate Past President and Corresponding Secretary, she continues to play a vital leadership role documenting, coordinating, and communicating club initiatives.

Bonnie Evely exemplifies the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.” Her devotion, authenticity, and refusal to step back from community need have made Mount Pearl stronger, kinder, and more connected.

Nominated for the Richard Levandier Citizen of the Year Award, Ken Gatehouse is an exceptional volunteer whose dedication to youth, sport, and remembrance has created a lasting legacy across Newfoundland and Labrador. Through hundreds of volunteer hours annually, Ken has helped ensure that the history and values of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment remain alive for future generations.

Ken serves as Deputy Director of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Memorial High School Hockey Tournament, the province’s largest high school hockey event. As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, he brings personal insight and deep respect to the role. His leadership has transformed the tournament into a province‑wide event featuring 32 teams, 80 games, and inclusive participation across the island and Labrador.

Under Ken’s guidance, the tournament has become more than a sporting competition—it is a living act of remembrance. Opening ceremonies include formal tributes, Regimental involvement, and participation by the Lieutenant Governor. Players are offered opportunities to explore provincial history through educational visits, while families and communities engage through livestreamed games that spark intergenerational dialogue.

Ken’s impact extends beyond logistics and coordination. He invests deeply in relationships, listening to families’ stories, helping individuals trace Regimental connections, and fostering meaningful conversations around service and sacrifice. His hands-on involvement includes fundraising, sponsorship negotiations, volunteer management, communications, officiating, and venue operations.

As a Mount Pearl resident, Ken ensures strong local representation, hosting games at the Glacier and involving Mount Pearl schools. His belief that hockey instills resilience, leadership, teamwork, and esprit de corps mirrors the values that defined the Regiment itself.

Ken Gatehouse’s leadership is humble, tireless, and profoundly meaningful. Through his dedication, he has built an enduring bridge between sport, remembrance, and community—ensuring that history is not only honoured, but lived.

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Sara Hawkins is a deeply committed community leader whose 25 years of volunteer service have strengthened youth development, public safety, justice, and community well-being in Mount Pearl, across Newfoundland and Labrador, and throughout Canada. Her service reflects a rare balance of professionalism, compassion, and sustained leadership.

Sara’s volunteer journey began in 2001 with Girl Guides of Canada, where she has become one of the organization’s most respected leaders at the local, provincial, and national levels. While she has supported multiple units over the years, her greatest passion lies with Guides aged 9 to 12. She currently serves as Contact Guider for the 8th Mount Pearl Guides, mentoring young girls through experiential learning, confidence building, and leadership development.

Within the Mount Pearl community, Sara has held senior roles including Marconi District Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Secretary. Provincially, she served on key committees such as the Programming and Training Committees, concluding her term as Provincial Lead for Training. Nationally, Sara contributed to the Governance Committee and National Training Committee and continues to deliver certified training to Guiding members across Canada.

Beyond guiding, Sara volunteers extensively with St. John Ambulance as a Medical First Responder and Assistant Training Officer. Her dedication includes annual commitments exceeding 190 volunteer hours, and in 2024 she was deployed to Happy Valley–Goose Bay during the Labrador wildfires, providing both medical and mental health first aid under extraordinary conditions.

Sara also extends her expertise through justice‑focused volunteerism. Professionally serving as an Access to Justice Coordinator, she volunteers on the Board of the Family Dispute Resolution Institute Atlantic and supports organizations such as Relationships First and the Newfoundland and Labrador Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse.

Recognized with Girl Guides of Canada’s Medal of Merit and numerous service awards, Sara’s leadership is quiet yet powerful. She balances her extraordinary volunteer commitments with full‑time employment and family life, setting an inspiring example of service, resilience, and community care. Her lasting impact is felt most deeply through the young people, families, and communities she continues to support.

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Roger Learning is a lifelong resident of Mount Pearl whose unwavering commitment to volunteerism spans more than seven decades. His service has been defined not by recognition, but by a quiet devotion to helping others and strengthening the community he has always called home. 

Roger has consistently contributed his time to hands-on, people-driven initiatives that address real community needs. Since the founding of the Community Suppers program, he has volunteered biweekly in the preparation and distribution of approximately 300 meals, helping to address food insecurity while fostering dignity, compassion, and connection for individuals and families. 

His faith-based service has been equally impactful. Roger is a long-standing volunteer with the Church of the Ascension, supporting year‑round activities and participating in fundraising initiatives that raised $35,000 for the parish. For over a decade, he taught confirmation classes, mentored youth, and served as a prayer partner and leader at Confirmation Camps in Lab Rock and Mint Brook, helping shape formative experiences for countless young people. 

Roger’s volunteerism extends across generations and sectors. He supported community gardens, Canada Summer Games operations, school lunch programs alongside his grandchildren, and food drives such as “Stuff the Bus.” He also contributed through the church’s Moose License Group, donating moose sausages to benefit parish activities for over ten years. 

A strong believer in community recreation, Roger was among the earliest participants in Mount Pearl’s hockey and baseball leagues in the 1960s and earned numerous athletic awards. His dedication has been formally recognized through the Confederation 75th Anniversary Medal. 

Roger’s roots in Mount Pearl run deep. Raised in the family home where he still resides, he and his wife Sharon raised their family in the same community that shaped their lives. His legacy of service continues through his children and grandchildren. 

Roger Learning exemplifies humility, consistency, and generosity. Through a lifetime of quiet leadership, he has helped build a stronger, more connected Mount Pearl—one act of service at a time. 

Nominated for the Richard Levandier Citizen of the Year Award, Leah Patterson is a remarkable young leader whose vision, commitment, and work ethic have made a powerful impact on the Mount Pearl community. Through extensive volunteerism and thoughtful leadership, Leah has helped shape the Mount Pearl Junior Blades into a respected community institution. 

Serving as Director of Media and Public Relations, Leah leads all communications, branding, and outreach for the team. Her role extends far beyond visibility—she is the driving force behind the Blades’ extensive community engagement efforts. From senior home visits and food drives to large‑scale awareness initiatives, Leah coordinates events with precision, inclusivity, and purpose. 

She has played a key role in organizing initiatives such as Hockey Fights Cancer, Pink Shirt Day, Special Olympics Night, Alumni celebrations, and National Women and Girls in Sports Day. Through storytelling and thoughtful messaging, Leah has built a welcoming team culture that emphasizes leadership, empathy, and service. 

Leah’s impact reaches beyond Mount Pearl. She organized the “Her Time To Shine” conference in Labrador, empowering young women through dialogue on leadership and confidence. Additionally, as Vice President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Parliament, she mentors youth and promotes civic engagement across the province. 

Balancing these responsibilities with academic success—having been accepted into Memorial University for Political Science—Leah demonstrates maturity well beyond her years. Much of her work occurs quietly behind the scenes, yet its influence is widespread and lasting. 

Leah Patterson represents the future of community leadership in Mount Pearl. Through her compassion, organizational excellence, and dedication to inclusion, she is building stronger connections today while inspiring others to lead with purpose tomorrow. 

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Wanda Tiller is a lifelong Mount Pearl resident whose name is synonymous with generosity, dedication, and community spirit. A proud “Pearl Girl for life,” Wanda has devoted more than four decades to volunteer service, quietly shaping the heart of the city through her unwavering commitment to helping others. 

For over 40 years, Wanda has been deeply involved with Girl Guides, serving as a leader and mentor to generations of young girls. Her guidance helped instill confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility—values that have followed many well into adulthood. Her devotion to youth development has left a lasting legacy within the Guiding movement and the wider community. 

Wanda has also been a cornerstone of the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival for approximately 35 years, serving as a volunteer, Vice‑Chair, and Chair. Her leadership and dedication have helped sustain and grow one of Mount Pearl’s most cherished annual traditions. 

Her service reaches across many areas of community life. Wanda has volunteered with the Red Cross and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, coached youth soccer, taught Sunday School, served on the board of First United Church, supported the Mazol Shriners, and contributed to the success of the 2025 Canada Games as a Transportation Supervisor. 

In her everyday life, Wanda continues to serve through roles that often go unnoticed but are deeply felt. As a crossing guard at Morris Academy and an active member of the Kinette Club of Mount Pearl, she builds trust, supports families, and helps deliver major community events, including City Days and the Frosty Festival. 

Wanda was named Mount Pearl Citizen of the Year in 2019 and received the Girl Guides Medal of Merit for Leadership. Yet her greatest legacy is found in the countless lives she has touched through kindness, humility, and a lifelong commitment to community.

Nominated for the Community Group of the Year The 807 Mount Pearl Kinsmen Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is a distinguished youth organization dedicated to developing leaders through citizenship, discipline, service, and community engagement. Through structured weekly training and experiential activities, cadets gain skills in aviation, leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness. 

The squadron maintains a strong and visible presence throughout Mount Pearl, regularly supporting civic commemorations such as Remembrance Day, the Santa Claus Parade, Frosty Festival, and Battle of Britain ceremonies. Cadets also participate in environmental cleanups, food donation initiatives, fundraising, and monthly citizenship activities supporting organizations like Thrive Community Youth Network. 

Their excellence is demonstrated through remarkable achievements. The squadron’s Marksmanship Team earned the Gordon Morris Shield for the seventh consecutive year and achieved second place provincially. Individual honours include King Charles III’s Coronation Medal, the Lord Strathcona Medal, Royal Canadian Legion awards, and provincial commendations recognizing leadership and service. 

Through hundreds of volunteer hours annually and a steadfast commitment to excellence, 807 Squadron continues to shape responsible, respectful, and community‑minded leaders. Their service strengthens Mount Pearl today while preparing youth to contribute meaningfully to society in the future. 

Nominated for Community Group of the Year, the Mount Pearl Junior Blades are a Junior B hockey team whose identity is built equally on athletic excellence and community leadership. While competing at a high level on the ice, the Blades place service, inclusion, and mentorship at the heart of their mission. 

Throughout the year, players and volunteers dedicate significant time to community outreach, including senior visits, food drives, community festivals, and awareness nights such as Hockey Fights Cancer, Pink Shirt Day, and Special Olympics Night. Their involvement spans events like the Christmas Parade, Jamarama, alumni celebrations, and minor hockey nights that engage youth directly. 

Central to their outreach is the Next Shift Together program, which uses hockey as a platform for inclusion, connection, and belonging. At every home game, a local minor hockey player is welcomed onto the ice—creating inspiration and visibility for young athletes across the province. 

On the ice, the Blades’ leadership is reflected through sportsmanship and teamwork, with players earning league recognition for character and performance. Off the ice, their greatest influence occurs quietly—through consistent acts of kindness, mentorship, and accountability. 

The Mount Pearl Junior Blades are more than a team; they are role models and connectors. Through humility and action, they are shaping a stronger, more inclusive community and exemplifying the positive power of sport. 

Nominated for the Urban Agriculture Award, The Mount Pearl Lions Club has demonstrated exceptional leadership through its innovative Urban Agriculture initiative, significantly improving food access, sustainability, and community resilience in Mount Pearl. This hands‑on project reflects a forward‑thinking approach to addressing food insecurity while promoting environmental responsibility. 

Launched in the summer of 2025, the farming initiative was developed in partnership with Reverend Fred Marshall in Goulds. Club members worked collaboratively to grow fresh produce—such as potatoes, carrots, and turnips—specifically for Mount Pearl’s three food banks. By focusing on local production, the Lions addressed persistent gaps in access to nutritious vegetables within food support systems. 

Despite limited acreage, thoughtful planning and consistent maintenance allowed volunteers to maximize yields. Three 90‑foot drills and raised garden boxes, planted by the Lions Cub Club, produced additional crops and engaged youth in sustainable practices. Volunteers dedicated countless hours to watering, weeding, harvesting, and coordinating distribution throughout a challenging growing season. 

Environmental stewardship was central to the project. Local production reduced food transportation impacts and reinforced the value of sustainable land use and purposeful harvesting. The initiative combined immediate nutritional benefits with long‑term community education, fostering an appreciation for local agriculture. 

The Lions Club intends to expand the project with additional volunteers and increased production in future seasons. This initiative represents a shift from traditional fundraising toward direct action, empowering members to address food insecurity with skill, compassion, and innovation. 

Through leadership, collaboration, and hands‑on service, the Mount Pearl Lions Club has created a model of community-driven urban agriculture worthy of recognition for its tangible and lasting impact.